Cabinet approves ₹4,200-crore MERITE scheme for technical education
The Union Cabinet on 8 August 2025 approved the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) scheme with an outlay of ₹4,200 crore for 2025-26 to 2029-30, including a ₹2,100-crore World Bank loan.
Summary
The Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet on 8 August 2025 with an outlay of ₹4,200 crore for 2025-26 to 2029-30, of which ₹2,100 crore is a World Bank loan. A Central Sector Scheme, it will support an estimated 275 government and government-aided technical institutions, including selected NITs, state engineering institutions, polytechnics and affiliating technical universities, across all States and UTs. Its interventions are aligned with NEP-2020 and aim to improve the quality, equity and governance of technical education.
Key facts
- Approved
- 8 Aug 2025, Union Cabinet
- Outlay
- ₹4,200 crore, 2025-26 to 2029-30
- External funding
- ₹2,100 crore World Bank loan
- Type
- Central Sector Scheme
- Coverage
- About 275 government/aided technical institutions
- Alignment
- NEP-2020
Practice MCQs 3 questions
The MERITE scheme approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2025 relates to which sector?
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Correct answer: A — Technical education
MERITE stands for Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education and covers technical institutions.
Which international institution is providing a ₹2,100-crore loan for the MERITE scheme?
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Correct answer: C — World Bank
Of the ₹4,200-crore outlay of MERITE, ₹2,100 crore is a loan from the World Bank.
Consider the following statements about the MERITE scheme: 1. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with cost-sharing between the Centre and States. 2. It is expected to support about 275 government and government-aided technical institutions. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: MERITE is a Central Sector Scheme, with funds transferred from the Centre to participating entities through a Central Nodal Agency. Statement 2 is correct: about 275 government and government-aided technical institutions are expected to be supported.